North Dakota Offering License Refunds Due to EHD

North Dakota Offering License Refunds Due to EHD

11 hunting units in North Dakota are severely impacted by EHD, with white-tail deer herd die-offs. Over 13,000 hunters will have the option of receiving a refund on their white-tail deer license.

EHD has been affecting North Dakota deer since August. The white-tail deer get bitten by midges that spread the disease. Mule deer seem to be unaffected and few have actually died from EHD. After the first frost the midges are usually killed off, and EHD does not spread as rapidly.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department waited until pheasant season, when there are more hunters out to make the call. There have been reports of up to 300 deer carcasses in areas. In 2000, a refund was made available to deer hunters due to EHD but most hunters did not request the refund. Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, believes it will be similar this year as well.

This year's deer season opens November 4th and runs for 16 and 1/2 days. There were less than 110,000 deer licenses available for the state. All units are currently sold out. Some areas have not had deer die-offs reported, and may not have the hard hit effects of EHD as some units do.

If one wants a refund they must return their license to the Game and Fish Department, along with a note requesting a refund because of EHD before Nov. 3. Envelopes postmarked Nov. 3 will be accepted. From The Bismarck Tribune[2].

If you want to properly preserve velvet antlers, you will have to inject & brush them with formaldehyde or some of the new less toxic chemicals (4 in 1 solution works great as does Knobloch's antler in velvet tan) as its easier to use however, both will work.
First, using rubber gloves take a razor blade and make small incisions at the tips of all points about 1/8". Next hang the antlers upside down, allowing the blood to drain. Starting at the bases inject the solution into the...